Drink Of The Week: Malverde's El Cubico

Rare is the nightspot that operates under the auspices of a saint. But there's at least one: Malverde, the sleek lounge on 2nd street. It's named after Jesus Malverde, a railroad-laboring outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. In certain parts of Mexico, he's revered.

"I liked the history of that particular patron saint in that people often make offerings of cigarettes, liquor and money to him," said Jesse Herman, co-owner of Malverde. "Seemed like the right guy to name a bar after."

Or, to craft drinks around. Jesse told us that his bar's signature cocktail, El Cubico, features a hefty donation of tobacco. "It's got whole leaf tobacco-infused tequila, vanilla liqueur, lemon, grilled-pineapple juice, mezcal essence, and a volcanic-saffron-infused-salt rim."

Jesse suggested happy hour as a good time to try the drink; that's when beer, wine, sangria and signature cocktails are 1/2 off (and when El Cubico will only set you back around $6). Malverde's happy hour runs from Thursday thru Saturday, 5-7pm. Jesse added that happy hour on Friday is generally extended until 9pm.

While you're there, you might also consider getting the Watermelon-Elderflower Martini with Tito's Vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, aloe vera-lemongrass syrup, citrus and watermelon juice. Or, the Malverde Margarita with Sauza Hornitos Plata, Damiana, pineapple juice, agave nectar, lime juice, cactus and lemongrass-infused salt rim.

If you don't like drinking on an empty stomach, you can prep with take-out from La Condesa, the much-lauded Mexican restaurant just downstairs. You're free to eat it at Malverde, which doesn't serve food. (Apparently, the two establishments share the same owners, but have separate liquor licenses. As such, they try to keep the division clean.)

One final note: the music at Malverde is a carefully curated as the drinks. Here's the full standard weekly lineup:

Wednesdays
What What Wednesdays with DJ Honeycomb

Thursdays
Learning Secrets

Fridays
Horizontes extended happy hour (5-9 pm) with Kut DJ Michael Crockett followed by DJ Mel

Saturdays
Jazztronica with DJ Chicken George

Tip: it might be tough to visit Malverde this week or next, on account of SXSW and private parties. Patience is a virtue.

Malverde is located just upstairs from La Condesa at 400 W 2nd St, Ste. B., Hours are Wed 9 pm - 2 am Thu-Sat 5 pm - 2 am. For reservations, you can text 512-705-0666.